GMAT Practice Tests

Taking a lot of practice tests is an essential part of studying, especially if you want to get a 700+. It is really important to take computer adaptive tests, that simulate the actual GMAT experience. Paper practice tests are also valuable, but cannot simulate the test experience where questions get harder the more you get right, so CATs are definitely a better way to practice. While studying for the GMAT, I took over 15 practice tests including many of the tests mentioned here.

Sometime practice tests are really hard to find, especially if you haven’t taken a course, because some companies don’t sell their tests separately. In order to make things easier for you, I have listed all the practice tests, where to find them whether they have explanations of the answers and what they show you when you review your results.

Review: Shows your total score, Quant, Verbal and IR breakdown and the time taken per question type.

Price: 2 additional tests $39.99

The Graduate Management Admissions Council created the test, so they are the best resource for accurate practice questions and score simulations. Unfortunately, they only have 4 practice tests available. Two come free when you download the free GMAT prep software and you can purchase an additional two for 39.99. I recommend to all my students that they start their GMAT prep by taking a practice test from GMAC to gauge their score. The only downside of these tests, is that they don’t come with answer explanations, so other than the first test, I recommend that you save them for the end when you are less likely to need explanations.

Review: shows each question with difficulty level, time spent and topic

Price: $49 for six tests or free with MGMAT guides

Manhattan GMAT sells a set of 6 practice tests. I used these tests when I was studying for my GMAT and found them extremely useful. The quant section for the MGMAT tests are actually more difficult than the official GMAT, so they really prepare you to do well in that section, but don’t get discouraged if you aren’t scoring as high as you hope to be. They also provide you with a breakdown of each question, whether you got it right or wrong, the specific topic (ie SC:idioms or PS: geometry) and how long you spent on that question.

Review: shows score balance and summarizes your pacing and shows you where your score fits in compared to top B schools

Price: 7 practice tests for $49

Veritas Prep sells a set of 7 practice tests. I took the practice test when I was studying and found it extremely accurate, on both quant and verbal. The only difference I found was that the IR section was easier than the official IR section on the GMAT. The Veritas practice tests show you your score balance between quant and verbal, which can help you determine where you need help. It also shows you your pacing and how long it takes you to answer each type of question (RC, SC, CR, etc) compared to other test takers, in addition to how long you spend on questions you get right vs. those you get wrong.

The economist GMAT tutor practice test are a great compliment to the economist GMAT tutor program and very accurate, but its not worth it to purchase the whole program, if you ONLY want the tests. The only downside to these tests is that they do not come with an integrated reasoning section. However, they do come with AWA critiquing, which is valuable to ensure that you are on the right track with AWA. I recommend that you take advantage of the test and the free trail and purchase the program if you like the learning platform.

The Kaplan tests are harder than the actual GMAT, so good prep for someone aiming for a top score, but don’t be discouraged if you didn’t do as well as you thought you would. If you take their free proctored exam, it comes with live explanations at the end of the test.

Review: pacing, question type and topic, time taken to answer and level of difficulty

Price: Free

IR: Yes, AWA: Yes

The GMAT Pill practice test accurately simulated the GMAT experience down to the instructions and answer confirmation. Although, it only gives you answer explanations if you purchase a course. It does however, give you a breakdown of all the answers you got right or wrong, what type and topic they are and how long it took you to answer them. If you are looking for more CATs, its definitely a good option, especially since its free!

The Princeton Review tests are actually much easier than the actual GMAT, so might be a ok place to start or for someone who isn’t working to get a 700+ score. Review of your test includes a breakdown of the question, type and topic, how long you took and if it was correct. It also summarizes how well you did in each question type and topic.

Review: each question type, whether you got it right or wrong, the difficulty level and the time it took you

IR:No, AWA: No

Price: $79.95 for 6 verbal tests and 15 quant tests

The GMAT club gives you access to 1,300 practice questions, which is enough for 6 verbal tests and 15 quant tests, which are all computer adaptive. I found that the test was adequately challenging, albeit the verbal seemed a bit easy. The downside is that they give them to you separately, so you don’t get a total score, nor do you get to take an IR or AWA section.

Review: Each question, whether it was right or wrong, how long it took, what types and topics you are stronger in

IR: No, AWA: No

Price: $29.99 for 1, $79.99 for 3

GMAT focus is affiliated with GMAC, so uses actual questions from past GMAT exams, however they are a bit pricy at $29.99 per test and they only give you the quantitative part with 12 DS and 12 PS. Based on this information, it gives you a relative ranking and summary of what topic and type of questions are your strengths an weaknesses. Overall, I would say it isn’t worth the money since you don’t get a verbal section or even a full quant section.